What is CAAS?
CAAS stands for Child and Adolescent Studies. Child and Adolescent Studies is studying the biological, physical, socio emotional, and cognitive growth and development of the child from birth to adulthood. So what does that mean? It means students majoring in CAAS are studying how children and adolescents develop and learn. These students focus on how culture, society, beliefs, etc impact the different ways kids develop. Through doing this they are getting the knowledge and skills necessary to work with a diverse population of kids in any setting where they are in.
Graduates of the Child and Adolescent Studies program build gratifying careers and pursue advanced study in early childhood and adolescent development, education, youth advocacy, social work and counseling. More than 75 percent advance to graduate school within two years of graduation from Bowie State. The specialization that they earn here opens opportunities in juvenile corrections, counseling centers, hospitals and hospices, daycares and schools, social welfare and adoption agencies, youth centers, and nonprofits, including:
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Teacher or educator
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Early childhood program administrator
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Counselor or therapist
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Childcare director
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Occupational therapist
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Child life specialist
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Family attorney
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Youth program coordinator
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Social worker
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Research analyst
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Teacher’s aide or paraprofessional
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Teen parenting mentor
The child and adolescent studies major offers four concentrations: child life, research, pre-occupational therapy, and child mental health and welfare. In each of your classes, you’ll learn foundational knowledge to work with diverse populations, apply research and theories, and enhance your passion for helping young people. As a student, you will:
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Develop effective strategies to meet the distinct needs and demands of school-age children
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Identify cultural, biological, psychological and environmental influences on development
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Learn the legal and ethical issues around working with children
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Explore traditional and emerging methods of social research
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Communicate important child-related issues to policy and decision-makers
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Analyze the developmental and cognitive stages of school-age children
